Pictures, memories sought for art teacher tribute

After Lloyd Sensat retired as a teacher, he became active in the Save Our Cemeteries program and gave tours. He also appeared as Father Noel during Christmastime. Sensat passed away in 2011.

Organizers are seeking written memories and photos that can be used in a tribute to Lloyd Sensat, who passed away last year but had a tremendous influence on students in St. Charles through his Talented Art program.

The tribute to Sensatís life as an educator, preservationist, artist, writer and actor will take place on March 24 during the annual St. Charles Parish Schools Art Exhibition. Before his death, Sensat had dedicated his life to promoting art and preservation. He was the recipient of several awards and was one of the top three Disney Teacher Award finalists.

Laurie Abadie, one of the eventís organizers who worked with Sensat throughout his life, said that the beloved teacher had the creative freedom to express his artistic voice in any environment.

"He was willing to mentor and believed that anyone could communicate through visual interpretations and express themselves through artistic journals that included sketches and notes, which encouraged his students to go forth with their own talented thoughts," she said. "He had an easy, distinctive laugh and enjoyed life like no one else that I know."

Sensat became one of the first parish art teachers and one of the first Talented Art teachers in the state in the late 70s. After his retirement from teaching he became a volunteer at the Father Francis Xavier Seelos Center and designed a memorial garden to honor Father Seelos at his Sun Oak home. He was active in the Save Our Cemeteries program and gave tours, and also appeared as Father Noel during Christmastime. He dedicated his energies towards Fauburg Marigny projects and acted the part of Bernard Marigny in historic attire while conducting home tours.

Organizers are seeking submissions (smaller than 5 inches by 7 inches) of a written memory, a photo of work done because of Sensatís influence, a photo of Sensat with students or a written testimonial about his influence. Abadie said she has received only three items so far for the testimonial collage, but knows that more are to come.

"The testimonial collage will take up only one 4 foot by 8 foot art panel, while several other (panels) will exhibit Lloydís art that is associated with our schools system, some of his studentsí work and some of his educational awards," Abadie said. "His style is distinctive and easily recognizable."

Also on exhibit will be archives from work created by the nationally-awarded Education Through Historical Preservation program.